The 2025 Honda Civic, as the title suggests, is one of the best cars currently available for its price point. With a history of reliability and value, the Civic continues to impress, and now Honda has introduced a hybrid version that offers both sedan and hatchback options.
Starting at around $28,000 and reaching up to $32,000 before destination charges, the hybrid model even comes with an eye-catching new optional paint color, Blue Lagoon Pearl. In this review, I’ll look into why the hybrid version of the Civic is a compelling choice, both in terms of its features and driving experience.
Exterior Updates
The 2025 Honda Civic has received a series of exterior updates that, while subtle, enhance its already impressive design. Midcycle updates often bring changes to bumpers and tail lights, and the Civic is no exception. Depending on the trim level, the sedan version now offers smoked tail lights, adding a touch of sophistication.
The Civic’s design has been widely praised since this generation’s launch, and the 2025 model continues to build on that foundation with minimal changes, primarily focusing on wheel colors and tire options.
Overall, the Civic remains a solid choice with thoughtful improvements that keep it competitive in its class.
Interior Usability and Features
The interior of the 2025 Honda Civic offers a blend of comfort and practicality, with different features depending on the trim level.
- Lower Trim Level:
- Seating: Cloth seats available in gray or black.
- Features: A standard moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and Android Automotive.
- Connectivity: Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available through a wired connection, and there’s no premium audio system.
- Sport Touring Trim:
- Seating: Leather seat options in gray or black.
- Features: A Bose audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and dual-zone climate control.
While these features are largely what we’ve come to expect from the Civic, the addition of wireless connectivity and enhanced audio in the Sport Touring trim make it a more attractive option for those looking for a little extra luxury.
Pros: Space and Comfort in Abundance
One of the Civic’s standout features has always been its spacious interior, particularly for taller drivers and passengers. The driver’s seat can be adjusted to a very low position, providing ample leg and headroom that surpasses many competitors.
Even the back seats offer more space than you’d expect from a compact car, making the Civic feel more like a full-size or midsize vehicle. This advantage extends to the trunk, which is highly usable, and the hatchback variant feels akin to a small crossover utility vehicle (CUV).
Hybrid Version Enhancements: A Quieter, More Refined Drive
The hybrid version of the 2025 Civic takes the driving experience to the next level with several enhancements aimed at improving comfort and efficiency.
- Cabin Noise: Honda has introduced active noise cancellation to the hybrid model, which reduces unpleasant frequencies while driving, resulting in a quieter cabin. Although the peak decibel level is similar to a standard Touring Civic, the filtering of jarring sounds significantly reduces driver fatigue.
- Wheels and Tires: The upper trim level features a different wheel design aimed at reducing road noise, and most of the underbody is covered to enhance overall refinement.
- Hybrid Functionality: The hybrid can operate mostly in EV mode, with an electric AC compressor that keeps the cabin cool even when the engine is off, adding to the vehicle’s efficiency and comfort.
Bose Audio System Testing: A Great Value for the Price
One of the key highlights of the Sport Touring trim is the Bose audio system, which I retested with the hybrid model’s active noise cancellation. The sound quality is impressive for a car in this price range.
The bass response is relatively linear with some elevation, though without a significant plateau, providing a balanced audio experience.
There are minor phase cancellation issues around the 1kHz mark, but overall, the Bose system delivers excellent sound quality, making it a solid investment for those considering the $28,000 to $30,000 range.
Mechanical Impressions
The 2025 Civic Hybrid benefits from several mechanical updates that enhance its safety, comfort, and driving dynamics.
- Structural Improvements: Two key updates for the 2025 model include improved side sill support in the middle and rear of the car, which bolsters side impact crash test scores, and increased structural rigidity, making the car feel more substantial on the road.
- Suspension Enhancements: The suspension has been retuned with stiffer dampers and spring rates, along with more rigid subframe and suspension mounts. These changes contribute to a smoother, more comfortable ride, particularly on rougher roads.
Hybrid-Specific Changes
The hybrid version of the Civic introduces several changes aimed at making the car more efficient and comfortable.
- Noise Cancellation: Active noise cancellation has been added to improve interior refinement, making for a quieter ride.
- Low Rolling Resistance Tires: The upper Touring trim level features low rolling resistance tires borrowed from the Accord, designed to reduce road noise and improve fuel efficiency.
Hybrid Drive System
The Civic Hybrid’s drivetrain represents a significant shift from previous models, borrowing elements from the Honda Accord Hybrid.
- Engine and Motors: The hybrid system includes a 2.0L naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle engine paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. The first motor drives the wheels directly, similar to an electric car, while the second motor acts as a generator to charge the battery or provide additional power.
- Efficiency: The gasoline engine only engages at speeds over 42 or 43 mph, where it spins the generator to help charge the battery, staying within an optimal RPM range to maximize fuel efficiency. This system allows the Civic Hybrid to achieve nearly 50 MPG (47 combined), making it a highly efficient option for daily driving.
Driving Impressions
Driving the Civic Hybrid is a unique experience, thanks to the system’s performance calibration.
- Launch Behavior: The drivetrain adjusts performance based on how you launch the vehicle. Pressing the brake pedal and holding the gas results in the engine reaching maximum RPM, similar to a traditional CVT. A normal launch, however, involves simulated shifting that feels realistic and engaging.
- Battery Regeneration: The Civic Hybrid manages battery regeneration automatically, without the need for plug-in charging. This continuous regeneration ensures the battery remains charged and ready to support the hybrid system, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid offers a compelling blend of efficiency, comfort, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for those in the market for a new compact car. With its subtle yet effective updates, improved interior refinement, and highly efficient hybrid system, the Civic Hybrid stands out as one of the best options at its price point.
Whether you opt for the sedan or hatchback, the Civic Hybrid is a vehicle that delivers on Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability, while also offering the added benefits of hybrid technology. If you’re considering a new car in the $28,000 to $32,000 range, the Civic Hybrid deserves serious consideration.